When Mark Yamanaka’s name was called multiple times at the 42nd Na Hoku Hanohano Awards Saturday night in Honolulu, his collaborators, Kellen and Lihau Paik — collectively known as Kupaoa — collected the coveted statuettes from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts.
Yamanaka, a Hiloan and Hawaiian music star, had more important business — attending the graduation ceremony of his 17-year-old son, Jorden, from Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii.
“There’s no other place in the world I needed to be, other than my son’s graduation,” said Yamanaka. “I just wanted to hang out with my son as long as I could before he went off to grad night. I just wanted to spend as much time as I could with my son, and the rest was strictly with my family and for my family.”
Jorden Yamanaka, a budding entertainer in his own right, will major in music at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
As for Jorden’s dad, he collected five Hokus Saturday night. The awards include: Album of the Year for “Lei Lehua,” an award he shares with producer Kellen Paik; Male Vocalist of the Year; Song of the Year for “Lei Lehua” with songwriting partner Lihau Paik; Single of the Year for “Morning Drive”; and Island Music Album of the Year.
That brings the career Na Hoku Hanohano award tally for Yamanaka, who watched the live Hoku telecast, to 14.
“I was at the house with my immediate family. We were able to catch most of the program. And each time they called my name, we celebrated immensely,” Yamanaka said. “Every year, people put out great music and it just gets better every year. To be considered amongst these guys who I’ve looked up to and still look up to? To come out victorious is unbelievable, first of all. It doesn’t get old at all.
“I guess it’s a true testament to what I try to do, which is to release good music and try to make sure I give it my best.”
Yamanaka had a banner year in 2018. In addition to recording and releasing “Lei Lehua,” he tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Leilani Pereira — who co-wrote “Morning Drive” — in July.
“She got to finally be a part of being there while I recorded,” he said. “While I was in the studio, she was pretty much there every step of the way, watching and giving her input. She was kind of like the silent producer. She got to see the whole process, to be a part of ‘Morning Drive’ and be an inspiration.”
Asked what’s next, Yamanaka quipped, “Back to work at Aiona Car Sales.” A natural baritone vocalist whose soaring falsetto and yodeling are trademarks, Yamanaka has often credited the support he receives from his employer and the latitude to record and tour as an element of his success.
“The day job keeps me level-headed and motivated in other aspects of my life,” he added. “As far as the music, I’m really at a place where I’m just going to enjoy the ride with ‘Lei Lehua.’
“I didn’t anticipate the album having this much success at the Hokus. I kind of left my schedule open, as far as the summertime, to help my son transition. I didn’t want to be busy and away too much. I wanted to be around and available to help him with whatever he needs to graduate and to take that flight to Arizona.”
Not counting his Christmas album, “A Gift of the Heart,” on which he’s co-billed with Kupaoa, “Lei Lehua” is Yamanaka’s third solo album. The others, “Lei Pua Kenikeni” and “Lei Maile,” also won Album of the Year, in 2011 and 2014, respectively, no small feat.
“To have all three of my solo albums recognized as Album of the Year, that just blows my mind,” Yamanaka said. “I don’t want to jinx the future, but I think being three for three is amazing. Album of the Year is the last award they give out that night.
“To hear my name called three times is simply amazing.”
Other Hoku winners with Big Island ties include:
• Female vocalist: Anuhea, “Follow Me”
• Instrumental composition: Kris Fuchigami, “Life Is”
• Contemporary album: Na Leo, “Beautiful Day”
• Contemporary acoustic album: Papa Ray, “Ukulele Sunshine”
• Hawaiian slack key album: Cyril Pahinui, “Marketplace”
• Jazz album: Maggie Herron, “A Ton of Trouble”
• Religious album: Kenneth Makuakane, “Na Mele Pule”
• Liner notes: Chelle Pahinui and Ilihia Gionson for “Marketplace” by Cyril Pahinui
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.